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LABRADOR INTRODUCES GUN RANGE BILL FOR IDAHO COUNTY

Wednesday July 09, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-ID), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, introduced a new bill today: the Idaho County Shooting Range Land Conveyance Act. This bill would convey approximately 31 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land to Idaho County for use as a gun range. This gun range would provide accessible firearms training for Idaho County residents, recreational opportunities for families and a convenient training facility for the Idaho County Sheriff’s Department.

“As a matter of principle, the government closest to the people is the one that governs best,” said Rep. Labrador. “For years, the Idaho County Commission has been ready to install a gun range in the Riggins Area, but they’ve been prevented from building it because of cumbersome BLM regulations. The bill I’m introducing today will transfer the appropriate BLM land to Idaho County where it will benefit Idahoans, both economically and recreationally. I am proud to introduce this bill and I will work hard to get it passed.”

According to federal law, the BLM cannot dispose of the parcel to Idaho County. In addition, the BLM cannot lease the parcel to Idaho County because of existing agency policy. Therefore, a legislative solution is necessary.

The Idaho County Commission is ready to manage the parcel of BLM land. In a letter sent to the Idaho delegation on March 25, 2014, the Commissioners noted, “In addressing environmental concerns, thousands of dollars have been spent by the BLM and the location has been found suitable for the described use as a gun range.” In addition, the Commissioners have agreed to hold responsibility for all necessary maintenance and operation of the land.

“We are proud to support Representative Labrador’s bill, which will have a direct and positive impact on the people of our county,” said Idaho County Sheriff Doug Giddings.